Meta the parent company of Facebook has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator, an eight-month artificial intelligence (AI) programme intended to help Nigerian start-ups build world-class AI-driven solutions.
Developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and NITDA, the accelerator programme is designed to bridge global AI breakthroughs with local impact.
The initiative is open to Nigerian start-ups working on AI-based solutions using Meta’s open-source Llama models. Four key sectors are in focus: agriculture, healthcare, security and safety, and a wildcard category for other high-impact areas.
“This is a game-changing opportunity for Nigerian innovators,” said Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa. “By making open-source AI more accessible and relevant to local challenges, we aim to drive solutions that are not only technologically advanced but deeply impactful to communities.”
What’s in it for Start-Ups?
The programme kicks off with a six-week incubation phase, during which selected start-ups will receive:
- Hands-on technical training
- Expert mentorship
- Strategic guidance from AI thought leaders
That’s just the beginning.
Start-ups will then enter a six-month extended development phase where they’ll gain:
- Access to technical resources
- Tailored development opportunities
- Opportunities to scale their innovations
With Meta backing the initiative and key Nigerian digital agencies onboard, this is more than an accelerator—it’s a national leap toward positioning Nigeria as a regional AI powerhouse.
Why It Matters
Nigeria is already home to one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems. Yet challenges like limited access to AI infrastructure and expertise have stalled the full-scale deployment of innovative, locally relevant solutions.
This initiative directly addresses that gap.
Start-ups working on solutions in agriculture could, for instance, apply AI to predict crop yields or optimize irrigation. In healthcare, AI models could assist with early diagnosis or medical data analysis. In security, AI could enhance real-time threat detection or emergency response systems.
The wildcard category offers a blank canvas for bold ideas that don’t neatly fit into a box—but promise major impact.
Application Deadline Approaching
Applications are now open and will close on June 27, 2025. Start-ups looking to harness AI for good—and scale their solutions with world-class support—can apply here: https://llamaimpactssa.splashthat.com
